Thursday, September 4, 2014

BioTE bio-identical Hormones and Osteoporosis Prevention

There are various causes for osteopenia (bone thinning) and osteoporosis (bone loss). Smoking, hyperthyroidsm, excessive alcohol use and long term corticosteroid use are a few examples. The #1 cause of osteopenia/osteoporosis however is aging and loss of hormones such as testosterone and estrogen as people enter menopause and andropause. . A study published in the American Journal of OB/GYN in 1990 by J WW Studd,  et al showed that testoserone is a bone builder.  The study also demonstrated that testosterone replacement resulted in a four-fold increase in bone density vs. oral (i.e. synthetic) estrogen and a 2.5 times increase in bone density compared to patches. Specifically:

                          8.3% per year increase in bone density for bio-identical pellet therapy
                          3.5% per year increase in bone density for patches
                          1-2% per year increase in bone density for synthetic oral estrogen

                                                                   

We've all seen the lady above walking around in the grocery store. You don't have to be that person! 

Another study done by Savvas, M.,  published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1992 showed that testosterone therapy with subcutaneous pellets combined with estrogen therapy has an additive effect on bone density compared with estrogen alone.

During normal bone turnover, bone is torn down and rebuilt by your body which makes them very strong. Cells called osteoblasts build new bone. Osteoclasts tear down old bone. The reason medications like Fosamax and Boniva are causing fractures in unusual places is because they shut down normal bone turnover. The osteoblasts continue to build bone on top of old weak bone because the osteoclasts are shut down by the medications. 



So how do bio-identical hormones protect your bones? A simple way to look at it is that estrogen decreases bone reabsorption and testosterone helps build up new bone. This is not to say that you won't need a medication like Fosamax or Boniva at some point, but you can prolong the time until you need it and you may be able to limit the time you have to take it.

Combining weight bearing exercise with proper hormone balance and nutritional supplementation is crucial for good bone health. With BioTE bio-identical hormone replacement pellet therapy we test for and balance your estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, thyroid, Calcium, Vitamins A,D, K and B12, because your entire endocrine system works together for proper overall health, including your bones.

Call us today to schedule your consult.....501-228-6237... You may also watch some VERY informative videos at www.bhrtvideos.com 


Anne R Trussell MD
owner/physician
501-228-6237

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